Ballast resistor - is this a must ?

[289ERAkit]

When you turn on the ignition key...you bypass the ballast resistor and the full 12v goes to the coil and points to provide a powerful start. When the key goes to the run position.... voltage goes thru the ballast resistor and voltage drops to 6volts (something less than 12v). If you can start your car and then it dies when your ignition switch drops to the run position....then your ballast resistor is open. Then you are stuck.... well...maybe not... get a wire and short across the ballast resistor.....your car will run with the full 12v but your points will take a beating after a while. Also....when you turn off the car remove that make shift wire... if you do not....I believe it will pop your coil.

MSD systems.... remove the ballast resistor and connect those two wires together. MSD wants the full 12v...all the time. (ERA type harness)

I learned this trick 30 years ago at Weirs Beach at 2 AM during Laconia bike week.... There were two helpful Canadian bikers who happened to be parked in front of me(by the bridge at the base of the hill). Not sure where I slept that night....